i was going to check some maintainence mods on my other Z. I was wondering a few questions maybe some Z gurus would know. I know somewhat but wanted to make sure so i know exactly what i need to buy and do. Thanks.

1. If there is oil on the spark plugs, that would indicate bad valve covers itself which has to be replaced since the gasket is built in the valve cover for the spark plug holes?

2. If oil is leaking around the outside of the valve covers, that would mean the valve cover gasket has to be replaced?

3. what are the problems if valve cover gaskets are not replaced right away? What are the long term affects?

 

Seems to be a common problem. The entire valve cover gasket has to be replaced

 

you mean valve cover.

yes, i got quoted 250 dollars each at the dealers.

 

Naw, you can buy the valve cover gasket itself... the spark plug gasket part (can't remember what its called) is built-in the valve cover gasket.

There were some on mynismo.com but I can't find them anymore

 

Ahh, the tube seals!

 

bump

 

The only long term effect I can imagine would be increased oil consumption and the possiblity of it getting worse.

 

i had to replace the valve gasket cover in my old Camry. Not a big deal, long term affects would be burning oil and dripping it on your driveway. I would imagine if too much oil gets in a plug it woudl prevent it from firing.

 

Can someone confirm that the tube seals are built into the valve cover gasket and not the valve cover?

I may just order some for the hell of it but I'm not sure about taking on a task of replacing them myself

 

i'm pretty sure that it's built in the valve covers.

also, it's not a hard task to install. Take off top plenum, take off bottom plenum, drain some coolant, then you will have access to the valve covers.

 

Well... definitely not as bad as I thought. I can do that

I will ask my buddy who works at Nissan. That REALLY sucks if that's the case

 

bump

 

Yes, the spark plug seals are built into the cover itself. I'm selling some very nicely painted reds ones for $150 if your interested.

 

1. If there is oil on the spark plugs, that would indicate bad valve covers itself which has to be replaced since the gasket is built in the valve cover for the spark plug holes?
If there is oil on the spark plugs that indicates a bad spark plug seal kit. This requires you to buy new valve covers, as dumb as it sounds, you cannot buy this separately.

2. If oil is leaking around the outside of the valve covers, that would mean the valve cover gasket has to be replaced?
Yes, if its on the outside then you can buy the gasket separately, passenger part# 13270-8J102 for the drivers side 13264-AM610.

3. what are the problems if valve cover gaskets are not replaced right away? What are the long term affects?
Leaks become progressively worse as time passes, if the leak inside the spark plug tube becomes bad enough to flood, it will cause a short in the coilpack.

 

Sort of on the same subject, how does a spark plug seal go bad so quickly? Considering the cost and difficulty in replacing one, has anyone contacted Nissan about a TSB?

 

Yeah, i've pmed you about it. I remember you weren't sure the mileage on them. I just dont' want it to happen again so not sure how high the risk are buying used ones. is there a way to tell they have bad seals?

 

thanks for clearing that up for me. Just wanted to make sure. I got the gaskets already. Is there a way you can PM me the best price for brand new valve covers shipped? Thanks for your informative post.

 

Looking is really the only way you might be able to see something. I can send you some pics of the underside if you want.

 

Looks like I'll be ordering a valve cover myself

 

i have oil in my spark plugs and i went to nissan they said it was the gasket, but josh at Z1 motorsports told me it was the whole valve cover. i will just but new valve covers and do it myself